Understandings:
- Some neurotransmitters excite nerve impulses in postsynaptic neurons and others inhibit them.
- Nerve impulses are initiated or inhibited in post-synaptic neurons as a result of summation of all excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters received from presynaptic neurones.
- Many different slow-acting neurotransmitters modulate fast synaptic transmission in the brain.
- Memory and learning involve changes in neurones caused by slow-acting neurotransmitters.
- Psychoactive drugs affect the brain by either increasing or decreasing postsynaptic transmission.
- Anesthetics act by interfering with neural transmission between areas of sensory perception and the CNS.
- Stimulant drugs mimic the stimulation provided by the sympathetic nervous system.
- Addiction can be affected by genetic predisposition, social environment and dopamine secretion.
Applications and skills:
- Application: Effects on the nervous system of two stimulants and two sedatives.
- Application: The effect of anesthetics on awareness.
- Application: Endorphins can act as painkillers.
- Skill: Evaluation of data showing the impact of MDMA (ecstasy) on serotonin and dopamine metabolism in the brain.
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International-mindedness:
- Attitudes to drugs and the use of drugs differ globally. There are many cultures that use drugs to enhance rituals or religious experiences.
Utilization:
- Many psychoactive drugs have been used therapeutically to treat a range of mental illnesses and psychological disorders.
- Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
- Chemistry
- Option D Medicinal chemistry
- Topic D1 Pharmaceutical products and drug action
- Topic D3 Opiates
- Psychology
- Core: Biological level of analysis
Aims:
- Aim 8: The social consequences of psychoactive drugs could be considered, for the user, his or her family and the wider society.
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